The One He Dismissed Became The One He Died For novel Chapter 54

"Absolutely not!" Silas refused firmly. "She's from Sterling. Who knows what kind of dirty tricks she's planning? Dr. Zimmerman needs to keep a close eye on her so she doesn't wander around the village!"

"And you," he pointed at Claire, "don't go getting picky. If the rain wasn't so bad and the roads hadn't washed out, we wouldn't let a Sterling rat stay here at all."

Claire nodded innocently, taking the out.

"I'll listen to Silas. I'll be good and stay right by Dr. Zimmerman's side..."

She looked up at the man beside her. "I promise I won't wander off."

The wooden door clicked shut, cutting off the noise outside.

The room was tiny, containing only a crude wooden bed and an old desk. The air smelled of damp earth and rain.

"Dr. Zimmerman..." Claire tugged at the hem of his shirt, swaying it slightly. "Are you mad?"

"If I said I came here hoping to run into you, would you believe me?"

She made her tone sickeningly sweet, laying the charm on thick.

Miles finally looked up. His dark eyes locked onto hers, swirling with frustration and something much deeper.

"Claire, do you have any idea how dangerous this is?"

"I know I messed up..." Claire immediately admitted defeat, bowing her head to expose the pale, vulnerable curve of her neck. Her voice grew even softer.

"I won't do it again. Please don't be mad. Okay?"

"My arm hurts so much..."

It really didn't hurt that badly, but she knew this tactic always worked.

She laced her voice with a pathetic, half-faked whimper.

Miles's expression softened. He knelt by the bed with his medical kit and reached for her injured arm.

"Give it here," he commanded.

Claire obediently extended her arm. When her fingers brushed against his warm palm, she instinctively pulled back.

"Why are you pulling away?"

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